Ayurveda
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda (also called Ayurvedic medicine) is one of the world's oldest and most comprehensive healing systems, which originated in India more than 5,000 years ago. It aims to promote health and longevity by restoring balance to the body, mind, and spirit. “Ayurveda” derives from the Sanskrit words “ayus” (meaning life) and “veda” (meaning science or knowledge). Thus, Ayurveda means the “science, or knowledge, of life."
Can Ayurveda help people with cancer?
Yes. Ayurveda can have numerous positive effects when used as a complementary therapy in combination with conventional medical care. Its restorative practices can help strengthen, cleanse, and relax the body, calm the mind, and soothe the spirit. Studies have shown reductions in blood pressure, cholesterol, and reaction to stress in people who practiced Ayurvedic methods.
Ayurveda alone is not a proven treatment for cancer, nor is it known to affect the biology of the disease or an individual’s outcome. It should not be used as a substitute for conventional care.
How does Ayurveda work?
Ayurveda is based on the idea that disease arises from an imbalance of natural energetic forces in the body that can be caused by poor diet, genetics, environmental toxins, physical, mental, or emotional stress, or other factors. Ayurvedic physicians (called vaidyas) encourage specific lifestyle interventions and natural therapies to restore natural balance in the body, mind, heart, and spirit.
Ayurveda treatment includes a variety of different interventions tailored to each individual based on constitutional and other variables. These interventions may include dietary recommendations, herbal remedies, detoxification techniques, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation.
In India, Ayurveda is a respected form of medical care that is often used along with, or instead of, Western medicine. Practitioners of Ayurveda in India undergo state-recognized, institutionalized training. Ayurvedic practitioners are also now being trained at several institutions in the United States. But, to date, there is no formal, government licensing procedure for this ancient healing modality.
Are there any risks or complications associated with Ayurveda?
Yes, potentially. Ayurveda uses numerous different interventions, with varying degrees of risk. Some interventions, such as Ayurvedic massage, meditation practices, and yoga exercises, are regarded as being generally very safe. Nonetheless, common sense precautions should be taken when massaging any obvious sites of disease or injury, or attempting routine meditation practices or yoga exercises.
Ayurvedic herbal remedies, dietary interventions, and detoxification techniques can be of greater concern, and carry definite potential risk, especially for people who are receiving chemotherapy or radiation because they may interfere with the efficacy of these treatments or have other associated risks. Ayurveda should not be used as a substitute for conventional cancer care.
Be sure to find a well-trained and experienced practitioner if you wish to explore this modality. As with other complementary therapies, tell your doctor if you are using Ayurveda or thinking about doing so.
How can I find a qualified Ayurveda practitioner?
It is important to select a practitioner who is qualified, experienced, properly credentialed, and trustworthy. Click here to learn more about how to do this.